Hand pain due to cycling

[Cathryn]

Over the summer, on our tour, my right hand started getting what I assume is some nerve damage - it didn't hurt but it became harder to move my thumb. Once we were home and I wasn't riding all day, the thumb became more mobile but started hurting quite badly on the tendon on the front of the thumb, that joins the bottom knuckle to the wrist. This has improved slowly over the past two months as I ride my bike much less over the winter although it's still sore at times. If I run my hand down the tendon, it's quite sore to the touch. And, after a fun day on the bike (primarily my MTB) yesterday, it's hurting much more this morning.

Does anyone have any similar experience or advice on how to fix it? I don't want to stop riding my bike, obviously. Would thinner handlebars help - are they even available? Should I go to a physio? Anyone got any ideas?

 

[vickster]

Ergo grips? Better gloves? Maybe look at your handlebar width.

Try rubbing some voltarel gel into the affected area, use an ice pack to reduce inflammation.

As it’s been going on a while, definitely worth considering physio (could be tendinitis rather than the nerve, look up something called de quervains or some arthritis if it’s one joint)
and/or a bike fit (is it just one bike causing the issue?)

 

[Juan Kog]

To echo vickster see a physio and maybe some bike fit advice . I have recently being see a physio , I had persistent wrist pain due to a fall off my bike . ( fell on my left side pain in right hand and wrist ?) . I was fortunate to find a local physio who was a hand wrist arm specialist and a cyclist.
I’m in South Hertfordshire so unfortunately to far for you.

 

[Jameshow]

I would see a physio.

Also look at your bike fit.

How do you hold your bars?

Problem with MTB is that you don't have many variations.

You should be able to ride with your hands resting on the bars.

When I'm touring I'll ride with so many different variations bars, hoods, finger tips, palm of hands, just to break up the strain .

 

[vickster]

A physio who does bike fits/assessments would be a bonus, they are few and far between though

 

[Juan Kog]

A physio who does bike fits/assessments would be a bonus

They do exist, one came to give a talk at our club room.

 

[HobbesOnTour]

Another suggestion for a physio.

Best of luck

 

[vickster]

They do exist, one came to give a talk at our club room.

I’ve updated my post, they aren’t common unfortunately. I’ve seen two in SW London in the past, unfortunately neither are consulting locally anymore.
Maybe give the name and location of the one you saw, could be useful

 

[Juan Kog]

I’ve updated my post, they aren’t common unfortunately. I’ve seen two in SW London in the past, unfortunately neither are consulting locally anymore.
Maybe give the name and location of the one you saw, could be useful

I knew someone would ask , it was at least 5 years ago . I think he was based in Hertford .
I do remember he explained stack and height to us , the first time I had come across those terms for frame geometry.

 

[vickster]

I knew someone would ask , it was at least 5 years ago . I think he was based in Hertford .
I do remember he explained stack and height to us , the first time I had come across those terms for frame geometry.

Will leave you to Google to jog your memory

 

[Juan Kog]

Will leave you to Google to jog your memory

I did take his card , it may be still in my “filing “ system.

 

[vickster]

I did take his card , it may be still in my “filing “ system.

Could be this place? Although doesn’t look like he’s a qualified physio
https://venture-performance.co.uk/

 

[Hebe]

A physio who does bike fits/assessments would be a bonus, they are few and far between though

In Wiltshire:
https://www.thebikethebody.com/

I’ve not used them, just driven past a few times.
Hope you can find a solution.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/k...he-Experts--Hand-and-wrist-pain-on-the-bike-0

Help you understand what is happening

 

[MichaelW2]

Firstly assess your overall position on the bike, esp to reduce weight on your hands and ensure flex in your shoulders and elbows.
https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.php

Then look at the shape size and position of your bars. Try to figure out where in your hand you want to bear the weight.
Consider flat bars with rearward sweep. Look at your wrist angle.
I fitted On One Mary, cut down by 1cm each end, fitted with cork ergon grips.
Angle your brake and gear levers for ease of use.